9.29.2010

Cherish

I had plans of writing a light-hearted, humorous post today but it will have to wait. My heart is heavy and full of confusion.

How can something that seemed to be going so well suddenly change in an instant?

(photo borrowed from Cat's facebook)

I haven't mentioned John & Cat on this blog, because sometimes I just don't feel comfortable chatting about other's pain and struggle. But let me give a quick back story - John is one of my cousin, Justin's, best friends. I had a few college classes with Cat but knew her only as an acquaintance. I couldn't tell you exactly how they met, or their personal life stories. I'm simply an outsider that knows the couple through my cousin. John & Cat were married in the summer of 2009, and received heartbreaking news this past spring. John had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Cat began chronicling their journey on their blog. (I will share their blog address in a moment, but I ask that you be respectful... even though the blog is public I'm not sure if now is the proper time for 'new followers'). She's a beautiful writer, and her way with words makes you feel as if you are living their life right there with them, going through every motion and memory.

There were ups and downs along the way, considering the original prognosis was not promising. But midway through summer the tumor was disappearing, the cancer was clearing up, everything seemed hopeful and bright. My cousin, Justin, along with a clan of John's other friends had organized a group called "Team Goddard" in which they held various events raising money for John's battle and also to show him just how many people were are fighting for him. We attended a quite a few of these events, and they have always been in my thoughts.

Out of habit, every morning when I wake up I open up Reader on my phone and browse through a few blogs before climbing out of bed. This morning I happened upon John & Cat's, and was left lying with a pillow soaked of tears.

The cancer wasn't done. It hasn't had it's way yet, and wasn't ready to disappear. It's back with a vengeance, and those words have been spoken... the words that no one ever hopes to hear - "there is nothing left we can do."

I have yet to find the words to say to them, or to my cousin for that matter. I am hoping to I broke down when talking to Chris this morning though. If there is one thing I have learned as an outsider watching and reading about these two's journey, it is the power of love. I ask that maybe today you send a quick note to a friend, smile at a stranger or just hug that special someone extra tight. Cherish the day, and everyone in it.

(For those interested, here is the link to their blog, as I stated before - perhaps now is the time to be a silent angel, instead of a vocal follower? But I trust you can make your own choice)

Oh Chelsi...This made me cry as well. It puts life in a new perspective - and though we go through struggles of our own, reading something like that really makes you stand back and re-assess. I am praying for them - and hoping that love and prayer can help...Hang in there, love.